Workmen scoop globs of oil from the sand on the beach in Port Fourchon in June, 2010. Times-Picayune Staff

For information on the study, and details on how to sign up, call 1-855-644-4853, or go to the Gulf study website.

"The cleanup response involved a wide range of tasks carried out by a large number of people who each experienced exposures to oil and dispersants under unique circumstances," said Dale Sandler, chief of the NIEHS Epidemiology Branch and lead researcher for the study. "We want to understand the experiences of all types of workers."

The study of the BP spill is expected to last at least 10 years. Sandler wants people to come forward who are feeling healthy with no ill effects from their cleanup work, as well as those who have had or are still having health problems. She is particularly looking for people who worked near the source of the spill, such as oil rig workers and rig support personnel, to participate in the study.

"It is important that workers and volunteers who helped with the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill cleanup make the call today, so they can share their stories before we close out enrollment," Sandler said. "Every worker and volunteer has a story to tell, and we would like to hear every story to better understand the potential health effects of oil and dispersants."

The researchers say their findings may influence response to future oil spills.